12V Guy

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to post an update on the new features and updates to the Kenwood/Maestro Ford Interface Solution.

Sorry for the lengthy post. While Maestro can be used with any radio for basic radio replacement and steering wheel functions, in order to retain Sync and do the rest of what is indicated below, Maestro must be installed with one of the 2013 Kenwood DNN or DNX Navigation radios. These range from $850 for the most basic unit to $1700 for the Android based, connected model (Separate thread in here about that unit already).

As mentioned in many posts, we'd love to work with other radio brands, but there is R&D required and they need to hear from customers that they want these kinds of solutions to make the decision to do it. If you want <<Insert brand here>> radio to work with Maestro, write or post to them and ask them for it.

Now on to the stuff:

1. All models come with a dedicated port for Maestro (see attached pic) - You can now add Maestro AND install an aftermarket satellite radio tuner at the same time. No more choices.

2. Sync interface has been improved - Browse the media library, access the entire Sync menu system, access voice commands from button on screen.

3. Secondary display - Remains active and will show meta data not only for the Ford sources (Sync, phone, etc) but for the Kenwood sources too! RDS data in tuner, meta data in CD/DVD and iPod/USB screens.

Note: We cannot retain clock as it's inside the radio you remove and KW radio does not tell us the time. Hope to get this next cycle.

4. Vehicle info screen (see attached pic) - New screen that will show you tire pressure at each tire for the factory TPMS. Also, any open door and battery voltage. In addition, if you get a check engine light, you can see the code and attempt to clear it.

5. Gauges screen (see attached pic) - Pick any 5 gauges from a list of custom gauges and add them to a screen in the radio.

Not so relevant for Ford Trucks, but required for Mustangs

6. Climate screen (see attached pic) - Full climate integration right in the radio. We are investigating if we can duplicate the climate controls in the OEM navigation in Ford Trucks and put them here as well. Some are not accessible from the HVAC controls and others would be redundant.

Hope you all like! Radios should hit the market in next two weeks and our software will hit the web roughly at the same time. If you own Maestro and just want to do a radio upgrade, you can! Just reflash Maestro on internet and let us know so we can send you the two cables you need to connect with the new radio.

Cheers,

larryt1026

So everything above will be accessible with this new HU and retain sync? Seems too good to be true...what's the catch?! The vehicle info and AC controls will be an awesome feature.

Would this be plug and play or will it require splicing?

12V Guy

There is a plug and play T-harness for almost all the wires. There are a few connections necessary for steering wheel and gauges support.
http://maestro.idatalink.com/accesso...product_id/109

Thanks,

2012fx4EB

Any idea when Kenwood will be releasing this equipment? It's wasn't even on the kenwood website when I visited last week. I really want this setup and am ready to purchase!

12V Guy

Hi,

Some of the models hit Crutchfield already but not the higher end ones. Our firmware is still a few days away. However you should be able to order the gear if you want to. Just make sure they get you the new connection cables with your Maestro. You do not need the ADS-HRN(SR)-ALL01. We shipped them a bunch of the new cables to include for free with all Maestro going out.

Best,

2012fx4EB

Thanks for the reply. I'm so ready to get rid of the factory sony headunit!

F150guy13

How do we tell if it's the new connection cable?

12V Guy

Hi,

I am not sure I understand your question, but would like to answer it clearly. What do you mean by "How do tell if it's the new connection cable?" All 2013 Kenwood DNX/DNN radios have the new connection. All 2012 DNX radios have the old. Is this what you mean? There is a picture of the back of the radio above also. If this is now what you are asking, please post a follow up..

Thanks,

F150guy13

That should answer it. You just mentioned you sent a new batch of cables and Crutchfield still includes in their package of goodies the cable you say is not needed and wants to charge for it.

On a separate note, is this module going to show the hvac controls for the f150? The way I read your post is that it will be only for the mustangs. Crutchfields description says it will however.

Jonjon000

New here don't mean to butt into you post, but I too was looking at the kenwood 890' just got off the phone with crutchfiel, I was talking with someone named Paul who said the a/c controls along with the Tps sensors and guage view would only work if I had the stock nav unit from ford. Said it was not an upgrade to the stock single CD player radio I have now. But an enhancement of the stock nav unit. If this is true then for that money I don't see. It being justified. Your thoughts?